AP FACT CHECK: Trump plays defense in Russia investigation

CALVIN WOODWARDOctober 31, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s becoming harder for President Donald Trump to speak dismissively of the Russia investigation now that his former campaign chief is under house arrest and a one-time aide has pleaded guilty to lying about his Russian interactions. But he’s still trying.

An AP Fact Check looked at Trump’s rhetoric in the aftermath of the charges laid against Paul Manafort. Trump asserted they relate to alleged activities “years ago.”

But not all do. Some of the accusations deal with alleged criminal behavior that extended to February of this year.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the announcement Monday from the special counsel’s Russia investigation had nothing to do with Trump or his 2016 campaign.

It’s true that Trump himself isn’t wrapped up in the charges, but a campaign adviser is.